Container for Handheld Device for Dispensing Fluids

ABSTRACT

A container for use with a handheld fluid dispenser is provided. The container may include a front wall facing a first direction, a back wall facing in a second, opposite, direction, and at least one side wall interconnecting the front and back walls. A lower wall may be arranged above a lower portion of a handheld fluid dispenser in which the container is mounted. An upper wall may be arranged below an upper portion of the handheld fluid dispenser. The upper wall may interconnect the front wall, back wall, and at least one side wall of the container. An opening extends through the upper wall and permitting access to contents that are held in the container. The opening extends through the upper wall at a location that is nearer the back wall than the front wall of the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application is a continuation of currently pendingU.S. application Ser. No. 12/817,847 filed Jun. 17, 2010 which claimsthe benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional application 61/187,945,filed Jun. 17, 2009 and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/450,383, filed Dec. 15, 2009 as a national phaseapplication of PCT application PCT/US2008/003926, filed Mar. 26, 2008,which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional application60/908,312, filed Mar. 27, 2007; U.S. provisional application60/946,848, filed Jun. 28, 2007; and U.S. provisional application60/990186, filed Nov. 26, 2007; each of which is herein expresslyincorporated by reference in its entirety, for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to chemical dispensation devices and, morespecifically, to a device for selectively dispensing ones of a varietyof liquid-based, foam, and/or gel-type chemical compositions.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

In typical households, residences, and other domestic dwellings, as wellas within commercial and business buildings, many chemical cleaningagents are used in performing numerous common home cleaning, freshening,or other maintenance tasks. In a given area within a household, forexample, within a single room, more than one cleaning agent can be usedduring a single cleaning session.

Accordingly, users of chemical cleaning agents occasionally must tote orcarry around multiple containers of different chemical cleaning agents.In the alternative to transporting multiple chemical cleaning agents,the user is required to make multiple trips between the pieces beingcleaned and, for example, the area where the cleaning agents are storedto exchange previously used agents for those which will be usedsubsequently.

While some cleaning tasks are performed at or near the location wherechemical cleaning agents are stored, the user is still required tohandle numerous individual products. As one example, many individualskeep or store various cleaning supplies within bathrooms, and bathroomcleaning typically requires the use of numerous chemical cleaningagents. Although such cleaning supplies might be stored within thebathroom, the user is still required to handle, use, manipulate, andswitch between the various individual products.

Therefore, it is desirable to develop a dispensing device that canselectively dispense more than one cleaning agent, enabling a user toemploy a single device for dispensing and using a variety of cleaningagents. Previous attempts to solve this problem include devices thatallow for multiple end-use products to be dispensed through a singlevalve. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,298,611 and 4,595,127disclosevariations of an aerosol can delivery system that selectively allows oneof multiple fluids to be dispensed through a single spray nozzle.Disadvantages of this technology are that multiple end-use products aredispensed through a single nozzle and there is potential forcross-contamination as the user switches between products. Also,including multiple products in a single container will either increasethe size and weight of the dispensing container with each end-useproduct included or the volume of each product will be reduced,resulting in more frequent refills or replacements of the dispensingcontainer.

Therefore, it is also desirable to provide a dispensing device whichincludes multiple, replaceable, concentrated cleaning chemistries foruse with a single diluent dispenser. Other attempts have focused onproviding a single replaceable, concentrated chemistry for use with asingle solvent. For example, it is known to allow for a bottle to berefilled multiple times by providing cartridges containing aconcentrated agent. The concentrated agent is delivered by one ofseveral means into the bottle wherein it is combined with a solvent,preferably water, to create the usable product. While these referencesallow for multiple combinations of cartridges and solutions,concentrated or not, to be used in refilling the bottle, the primarydisadvantage with this system is that the concentrate and the solutionare entirely combined prior to use within the bottle. This allows thebottle to be used to dispense only a single solution at any particulartime. Further, the entire contents of the bottle must be dispensed ordisposed of prior to using a different chemistry within the bottle.

Attempts at providing replaceable cartridges demonstrated numerousobstacles to implementing such technology on a large scale. It hasproven difficult to provide adequate sealing configurations betweenconcentrate cartridges and devices, while maintaining reasonableproduction costs.

It has also proven difficult to properly vent and control flow ofconcentrated chemistries from containers, while maintaining reasonableproduction costs and product size and weight, since multiple checkvalves and vents are often required per container. Each of the multiplecheck valves and vents adds an additional component to the overalldevice, a procedural step for its installation while manufacturing, costof such components, and weight to the device.

Yet other difficulties arise from trying to establish a desired mixratio of diluent to concentrate in a manually pumped or actuatedspraying device. That is because in manually pumped devices, relativelysmall total volumes of dispensed fluid are released per pump oractuation event. Intuitively, as a total volume of dispensed fluiddecreases, so also do the volumes of its concentrate and diluentconstituents. Accordingly, fluid mixtures that have a low per/volumepercentage of concentrate may require only a minute amount of theconcentrate to arrive at the desired per/volume percentage duringdispensation. Manufacturing dispensing devices that can suitably drawminute amounts of concentrate and mix it with small volumes of diluentis difficult to do while maintaining reasonable production costs. Thisis especially the case in venturi-based mixing systems, noting that evenslight modifications in venturi configuration(s) can dramaticallyinfluence flow characteristics of fluids traveling therethrough.

Yet another problem resulting from venture-based mixing systems whichare powered by a manually pumped or actuated spraying device is thateach pump or actuation event includes (i) a pressure buildup phase, (ii)a maximum pressure phase, and (iii) a pressure decrease phase. Portionsof the pressure buildup and decrease phases can at times be insufficientto suitably propel contents from a discharge nozzle, whereby thecontents may drip out of the nozzle and run down the device. Suchoccurrences are commonly referred to as “drooling” and can leave asticky or otherwise undesirable residue on the device.

There are no known readily manufacturable or commercially availableprior art dispensers that allow multiple, replaceable, concentratedcleaning chemistries to be selectively used with a single diluentdispenser. What is therefore needed is a chemical or end productdispensing device which dispenses multiple cleaning agents from separateoutput nozzles to mitigate the likelihood of cross-contaminating thevarious chemistries and reduce the dependency on multiple dispensingdevices for dispensing multiple end use products.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Consistent with the foregoing, and in accordance with the invention asembodied and broadly described herein, a dispensing device and containerassemblies for use with the dispensing device are disclosed in suitabledetail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use theinvention.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a handhelddevice is presented for dispensing one or multiple end use products,preferably multiple cleaning solutions. The device includes a housingthat may have a main body segment, a handle, and a head segment. Acontainer that holds a concentrate may be retained between upper andlower surfaces of the main body and head segments, respectively. Aresilient member can be provided between the container and one of themain body head segments, wherein the resilient member biases thecontainer toward the other one of the main body and head segments,holding the container in place.

In some embodiments, a rotating frame extends between the main body andhead segments. The rotating frame can include (i) a bottom wall, and(ii) an outlet assembly overlying at least part of the bottom wall. Avoid space defined between the outlet assembly and the bottom wall ofthe rotating frame removably receives the container therein. In someembodiment, the resilient member is provided on the bottom wall of therotating frame. The resilient member can be configured as a flexible tabthat provided on the bottom wall of the rotating frame, the flexible tabbiasing the container against the outlet assembly of the rotating frame.The flexible tab can resiliently pivot about an axis defined by a lineof attachment between the flexible tab and the bottom wall of therotating frame. The flexible tab can have a ramped projection extendingupwardly therefrom, with front and back surfaces that converge at anupper transversely extending peak.

In some embodiments, a concentrate holding container is provided with alower locking receptacle that extends into its lower wall. At least aportion of the flexible tab can insert into the lower locking receptacleof the container lower wall.

In yet other embodiments, the device includes an out assembly that has alocking projection extending downwardly therefrom. The upper lockingreceptacle can define an arcuate surface extending into the upper wallof the container. Furthermore, the upper locking receptacle can define alength, a width, and a depth, and a magnitude of least one of the widthand depth varies along the length of the upper locking receptacle. Forexample, the width of the upper locking receptacle may vary along thelength thereof, such that a widest portion of the upper lockingreceptacle is defined at a position located part-way along the length ofthe upper locking receptacle. As another example, the depth of thelocking receptacle may vary along the width thereof, such that a deepestportion of the upper locking receptacle is defined at a position locatedpart-way along the width of the upper locking receptacle.

In some embodiments, a cylindrical projection extends axially upwardfrom an upper wall of the container. The cylindrical projection can beprovided concentrically within a collar, such that the collar andcylindrical projection define an annular channel therebetween.

In yet other embodiments, a lower wall has a lower locking receptaclethat is spaced a relatively greater distance from the front wall than adistance defined between the upper locking receptacle and the frontwall. The collar of the container upper wall can at least partiallyoverlie the lower locking receptacle of the lower wall. Furthermore, thelower locking receptacle can include a ramped upper wall extendingangularly thereinto. In some embodiments, a portion of the lower lockingreceptacle that is nearest the front wall of the container is relativelywider than a portion of the locking receptacle that is furthest from thefront wall. In further embodiments, the front wall of the container hasa waist portion with a smaller width dimension, as compared to otherportions of the front wall.

In some embodiments, the locking projection can insert into an upperlocking receptacle of an upper wall of the container, wherein thelocking projection retains an upper portion of the container so that isrotates in unison with a carousel or rotating frame of the device,resisting torsional removal forces. The rotating frame can define anaxis of rotation that is generally upright and tilting forward. In thisconfiguration, an upper portion of the rotating frame leans away fromthe handle, when the dispenser sits upon an underlying horizontalsupport surface.

In another family of embodiments, the invention comprehends a venturiassembly having a venturi body that includes a minimum diameter segment.An uptake tube is fluidly connected to and extending radially from theminimum diameter segment. An inlet segment is fluidly connected to andextending axially from a first end of the minimum diameter segment. Anoutlet segment is fluidly connected to and extending axially from asecond, opposing, end of the minimum diameter segment and a nozzleassembly attached to an end of the outlet segment that is furthest fromthe minimum diameter segment. The inlet segment can be shorter than theoutlet segment. The nozzle assembly has a swirl chamber and a valve bodywith a valve end and an opposing plug end. The valve end of the valve isadjacent the outlet segment of the venturi body and the plug end of thevalve body being adjacent the swirl chamber. A nozzle, having an openingextending therethrough, is provided adjacent to and directs contentsfrom the swirl chamber, out of the nozzle assembly.

In some embodiments, the plug end of the valve body at least partiallydefines a back wall of the swirl chamber, separating the swirl chamberfrom other portions of the nozzle assembly. The valve body can include aone-way valve configured to selectively allow fluid flow out of thenozzle of the venturi assembly.

In yet another family of embodiments, each container includes a valveassembly. The valve assembly preferably includes a valve body, a cap,and a dip tube. The valve body includes an outer periphery extendinggenerally around a central axis from a first end to a second endopposite the first end. A lower surface is connected to the outerperiphery at the first end and has an opening extending through thelower surface. An inner periphery extends generally around the centralaxis from the opening in the lower surface and up through the valve bodyto a slit portion establishing a fluid path through the valve body. Aflange is connected to the outer periphery at the second end and extendsradially outward. The valve body also includes an annular recess betweenthe outer periphery and the inner periphery. The annular recess extendsgenerally around the central axis and down from the second end for aportion of the length of the valve body.

As another aspect of the invention, the flange on the valve assembly hasan inner periphery and an outer periphery. A curved portion of theflange forms a concave surface and connects the inner and outerperipheries.

As another aspect of the invention, the inner periphery of the valveassembly may extend generally parallel to the central axis beyond thesecond end of the outer periphery. Opposite sides of the inner peripherymay taper toward the slit portion, forming a duck bill valve.

As another aspect of the invention, the annular recess includes a firstwall extending from the second end generally into the valve body, and asecond wall that is spaced a first width from the first wall and extendsfrom the second end generally into the valve body. A channel along theinner portion of the recess connects the first and second wall and has asecond width greater than the first width.

The cap engages the valve body and preferably includes a lower portionconfigured to extend into the annular recess of the valve body. The capcan further include a vent portion connected to a lower portion andextending radially away from the central axis. The vent portion isadjacent to the flange of the valve body and has at least one holeextending therethrough. The cap also has a neck portion having an innerand an outer surface connecting to the vent portion. The neck portionextends away from the valve body and the inner and outer surface aregenerally parallel to each other for a first length. The outer surfaceof the neck then tapers towards the inner surface for a second length. Arim portion of the cap has a first wall and a second wall, wherein thefirst and second wall are connected at the upper ends, forming a channelbetween the first and second walls. One of the first and second wallscan be connected to the outer periphery of the vent portion.

As another aspect of the invention, the lower portion of the cap has afirst segment with a thickness substantially equal to the first width ofthe annular recess and a second segment, and at least a portion of thesecond segment can have a thickness substantially equal to the secondwidth of the channel in the annular recess. The valve body may be madeof an elastomeric material and the cap may be made of a rigid materialsuch that the first and second walls of the annular recess expand apartto permit the second segment of the cap to pass through to the channel

As another aspect of the invention, the cap further includes a first setof tabs disposed around the inner surface of the neck portion. A firstset of tabs are preferably disposed within the neck and around the lowerend of the inner wall of the neck, extending radially into the neck toengage the slit portion of the valve body. The cap can further include asecond set of tabs. The second set of tabs are disposed around the lowerend of at least one of the first and second walls of the rim portion,extending into the channel of the rim portion to engage the container.

As another aspect of the invention, the valve assembly can include a diptube. The outer diameter of the dip tube is substantially equal to thediameter of the inner periphery of the valve body. The dip tube isinserted into the inner periphery of the valve body and extends downwardinto the container. Preferably, a seat is formed around the innerperiphery of the valve body such that the dip tube is inserted into theinner periphery until it engages the seat.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be betterappreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the following description, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting thepresent invention, and of the construction and operation of typicalmechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readilyapparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting,embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a partof this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate thesame elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a dispensingdevice of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a variant of the dispensing device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a variant of the dispensing device ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is another variant of the dispensing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a dispensingdevice of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a dispensingdevice of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a dispensingdevice of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a dispensingdevice of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a dispensingdevice of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispensing device ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of the device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is an exploded, side elevation view of the reservoir and pumpassembly of the dispensing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a pictorial cross-sectional view of the tube retainer of thepump assembly of FIG. 13, taken generally at line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of a container assembly of the presentinvention that incorporates multiple container bodies, with twocontainer bodies removed;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotating frameassembly of the dispensing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a container body of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a variant of the container body of FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is an isometric cross-sectional view of the container body ofFIG. 18 taken through an inner support of the container body;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the container bodyof FIG. 18 taken through an inner support of the container body;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the container body ofFIG. 17 taken generally at line 21-21;

FIG. 22 is an exploded front view of the cap, valve assembly, and diptube of the container body of FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the valve assembly of the container ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the valve of the container of FIG. 17;

FIG. 25 is a top view of the valve of the container of FIG. 17;

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the valve of the container of FIG. 17;

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of the cap of the container of FIG. 17;

FIG. 28 is a front view of the cap of the container of FIG. 17;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the cap of the container of FIG. 17;

FIG. 30 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a variant of thevalve assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 31 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the valve assembly ofFIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the dip tub holderof FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the valve assemblycap of FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the dip tub holder of FIG. 30;

FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of the valve body of FIG. 30;

FIG. 36 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the rotating frameassembly of the dispensing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 37 is a pictorial partially cross-sectional view of a stem of therotating frame assembly of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a pictorial view of a stem seal of the rotating frameassembly of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a pictorial view of a variant of the stem seal of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a pictorial view of another variant of the stem seal of FIG.38;

FIG. 41 is a pictorial view of another variant of the stem seal of FIG.38;

FIG. 42 is an exploded, perspective view of an outlet assembly of thecontainer assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 43 is a front elevation view of the venturi assembly of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a top, plan view of the venturi assembly of FIG. 42; and

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the venturi assembly of FIG. 44taken generally at line 45-45

FIG. 46 is a pictorial view of a venturi assembly of FIG. 36;

FIG. 47 is an exploded pictorial view of the venturi assembly of FIG.46;

FIG. 48 is an exploded side elevation view of the venturi assembly ofFIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the venturi assemblyof FIG. 46;

FIG. 50 is a pictorial of the longitudinal cross-section of FIG. 46;

FIG. 51 is a transverse cross section of the venturi assembly of FIG. 46

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention which areillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted tofor the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the inventionbe limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents, whichoperate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Forexample, the words connected, attached, or terms similar thereto areoften used. However, they are not limited to direct connection butinclude connection through other elements where such connection isrecognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments described in detail in the following description.

I. System Overview

In a basic form, referring generally to FIGS. 1-11, the invention is afluid dispensing device, preferably, a hand-held device, e.g.,dispensing device 10, that holds a diluent “D” and at least oneconcentrated substance or concentrate “C” separate from each other. Thediluent “D” and concentrate “C,” remain separate until they are activelydispensed and mix with each other momentarily while exiting the device,whereby an end use product exits the dispensing device 10.

The diluent “D” can be a liquid diluent and/or other suitable fluidcarrier, preferably, a solvent and, more preferably, water. Theconcentrate “C” can be a concentrated liquid chemical composition, or agaseous, powdered, or other relatively concentrated substance. Thedispensed end use products, made from actively mixing the diluent “D”and concentrate “C” during dispensation, can be any of a variety ofcompositions, agents, and/or solutions, preferably, one or more ofnumerous cleaning solutions or chemicals.

Exemplary of such end use products include, but are not limited to:general purpose cleaners, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, dustinhibitors or removal aids, floor and furniture cleaners and polishes,glass cleaners, anti-bacterial cleaners, fragrances, deodorizers, softsurface treatments, fabric protectors, laundry products and/or otherfabric cleaners or stain removers, tire cleaners, dashboard cleaners,automotive interior cleaners, and/or other automotive industry cleanersor polishes, or even insecticides. In some embodiments, a single device10 dispenses multiple end use products that use a common fluid carrieror diluent “D.” Accordingly, the particular components, compositions,constituents, and respective concentrations of the diluent “D” and oneor more concentrates “C” are selected based on the particular desiredend use product that will be actively mixed while exiting the dispensingdevice 10.

In such configuration, the dispensing device 10 is designed to allow auser to quickly replace or replenish the diluent “D” or ones of the oneor more concentrate “C” as needed or desired. In some implementations,e.g., the user can select from multiple end use products to dispensefrom a single hand-held dispensing device 10 those which incorporatemultiple, different concentrates “C”. This provides convenient access todifferent products and, for example, easier cleaning of multiplesurfaces that require a different cleaning product be used on each ofthem.

The dispensing device 10 and its components and subassemblies arepreferably made from generally lightweight and durable materials.Exemplary of suitable materials are lightweight polymeric materials orvarious polymeric compounds, such as, for example, and withoutlimitation, various of the polyolefins, such as a variety of thepolyethylenes, e.g., high density polyethylene, or polypropylenes. Therecan also be mentioned as examples such polymers as polyvinyl chlorideand chlorinated polyvinyl chloride copolymers, various of thepolyamides, polycarbonates, and others.

For any polymeric material employed in structures of the invention, anyconventional additive package can be included such as, for example, andwithout limitation, slip agents, anti-block agents, release agents,anti-oxidants, fillers, and plasticizers to control, e.g., processing ofthe polymeric material as well as to stabilize and/or otherwise controlthe properties of the finished processed product, also to controlhardness, bending resistance, and the like. Common industry methods offorming such polymeric compounds will suffice to form the polymericcomponents of dispensing device 10. Exemplary, but not limiting, of suchprocesses are the various commonly-known plastic converting, molding,and/or other processes.

1. Dispensation Generally

Referring still to FIGS. 1-11, the dispensing device 10 is manuallyactivated, preferably by a manual pump-type, electrical pump-type,aerosol, pressurized, and/or other delivery system to dispense an enduse product, preferably, a cleaning solution. During the act ofdispensation, a diluent “D” and a concentrate “C” are combined and mixedwith each other, e.g., at least partially prior to exiting the device sothat they emerge as a final, combined, ready-to-use solution or end useproduct, preferably, a cleaning solution or cleaning chemicalcomposition.

In this regard, the acts of dispensing and mixing or combining thediluent “D” and concentrate “C” are not mutually exclusive. Rather,discrete mixing acts of the diluent “D” and concentrate “C” areperformed in concert with discrete dispensation acts. Correspondingly, avolume of end use product need not be stored in the device, since thedispensation effectuates suitable mixing of the diluent “D” andconcentrate “C” in creating the resultant end use product.

It is noted that the particular dispensation techniques and methods areselected based, at least in part, on the intended end use of dispensingdevice 10. In other words, dispensing device 10 is adapted fordispensation by way of, e.g., manual pump-type, electrical pump-type,aerosol, pressurized, or other delivery systems in view ofconsiderations such as viscosity, flow, density, and/or othercharacteristics of the diluent “D,” concentrate “C,” or end useproduct(s), as well as the end use environment or other operationalconsiderations.

Regardless of the particular dispensing technique or method used, thedispensing device 10 can be configured to operate by pumping orotherwise expelling the diluent “D” so that the diluent “D,” as it flowsthrough the dispensing device 10, draws the concentrate “C” into itsflow path by way of, e.g., pressure differentials according toBernoulli's principles, explained in greater detail elsewhere herein. Inthis configuration, only the diluent “D” needs to be acted upon in orderto suitably mix and dispense both the diluent “D” and concentrate “C” asan end use product.

1a. Manual Pump Dispensation

Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, some embodiments the dispensing device 10function based primarily on principles associated with manuallyactuated, trigger-type spray bottles. In such embodiments, thedispensing device 10 includes a trigger 30 that actuates a piston withinor otherwise operates a manual pump assembly 35. Any of a variety ofknown types, styles, or configurations of manual pumps and/or theirrespective components, e.g., pitons, dip tubes, check valves, valveseats, compression or return springs, and others are suitable for use asmanual pump assembly 35, some or all of which are well known to thoseskilled in the art.

1b. Non-Manual Pump Dispensation

Referring now to FIGS. 10-11, some embodiments of dispensing device 10do not use manually actuated or trigger-style pumps, but rather useother forces to expel contents from the dispensing device 10. Forexample, the dispensing device 10 seen in FIG. 10 utilizes aerosoldispensation by way of an aerosol system 36. Any of a variety of knowntypes, styles, or configurations of aerosol systems and/or theirrespective components, e.g., a propellant such as pressurized gas orliquefied gas or others, dip tubes, check valves, valve seats,compression or return springs, and others are suitable for use asaerosol system 36, all of which are well known to those skilled in theart. As another example, the dispensing device 10 seen in FIG. 11,utilizes pressurized dispensation by way of a pressurized system 37.Here again, any of a variety of known types, styles, or configurationsof stored positive pressure-based systems and/or their respectivecomponents, e.g., CO2 and/or other pressure vessels, dip tubes, checkvalves, valve seats, compression or return springs, electronic (i)pumps, (ii) switches or triggers, (iii) power supplies (iv)corresponding conductors and other circuit components, and/or others aresuitable for use as pressurized system 37, all of which are well knownto those skilled in the art.

II. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be furtherdescribed by the following, non-limiting examples which will serve toillustrate various features of significance. The examples are intendedmerely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the presentinvention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in theart to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the examplesdiscussed herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of thepresent invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, dispensing device 10 includes a housing 20that holds a reservoir 50 and a container assembly 100 that has and/oris connected to an outlet assembly 400. The reservoir 50, containerassembly 100, and outlet assembly 400 cooperate with each other formixing and dispensing the diluent “D” and concentrate “C,” which arestored in the reservoir 50 and container assembly 100, respectively, asan end use product. It is noted that by maintaining the diluent “D” andconcentrate “C” as distinct stored entities, the user can refill orreplace the diluent “D” independently from the concentrate “C” and viceversa.

Referring specifically to the manually actuated, trigger-type sprayembodiments of FIGS. 1-9, each housing 20 includes a main body segment22 at a lower portion thereof, and a handle 24 that extends generallyupwardly from the main body segment 22. Handle 24 is configured toprovide a suitably comfortable gripping structure enabling a user tohold and manipulate the dispensing device 10 for durations of timecommensurate with the time required to dispense the end use productand/or carry the dispensing device 10 to different surfaces or rooms tobe cleaned or treated. In some implementations, such as those seen inFIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the handle 24 can include a projection 25 which restsupon, e.g., an intersection of a thumb and forefinger of a user,enhancing the user's comfort and holding stability, especially duringprolonged periods of use.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-9, head 26 extends outwardly from an upperportion of handle 24, in the same general direction as the main bodysegment 22. In this configuration, head 26 can extend at least partiallyover the main body segment 22 of housing 20. Preferably, various onesof, optionally all of, main body segment 22, handle 24, and head 26 arehollow, whereby the housing 20 defines a shell-like outer perimeterwall(s), encapsulating a void “V” (FIG. 12) therein which is configuredto house various other components of the dispensing device 10 therein.

As desired, in some embodiments, the various components of the housing20 are removably attached to each other, by way of friction fit,snap-lock, or otherwise. For example, (i) an assemblage of handle 24 andhead 26 can be selectively removed from main body segment 22, (ii) head26 can be selectively removed from an assemblage of main body segment 22and handle 24, or (iii) each of the main body segment 22, handle 24, andhead 26 can be selectively removed from respective ones of each other.The particular removable attachment(s) of the various components withinthe housing 20 to each other is directed at least on part by, e.g., howdiluent is “D” is stored, housed, filled, or refilled, within aparticular implementation of dispensing device 10. In some embodiments,a sight window (now shown) is provided upon the housing 20 andconfigured for enabling a user to easily, at a glance, evaluate thevolume of carrier fluid within the reservoir 50 at any particular time.As best seen in FIG. 12, reservoir 50 is housed within the void “V” ofhousing 20, is configured to hold a volume of diluent “D” therein, andis, preferably, made from a lightweight rigid polymeric material. Inthis configuration, the reservoir 50 functions as a stand-alone liquidtight enclosure, whereby any of a variety of suitable bottles, cans,and/or other enclosures may be implemented as reservoir 50.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the reservoir 50 includesan inlet 52 and a removable plug 54, while other embodiments include,for example, a threaded cap instead. The inlet 52 extends through theouter wall of housing 20 opening and into the reservoir 50. For example,inlet 52 can extend through an upper wall of main body segment 22,entering reservoir 50, but can be located elsewhere such as, e.g., uponhandle 24 or head 26 (FIG. 6), as long as the inlet 52 is fluidlyconnected to the reservoir 50. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, theinlet 52 enters reservoir 50 through the upper wall of main body segment22, the dispensing device 10 is preferably configured for filling orrefilling with a volume of water diluent “D.” For embodiments that usewater as diluent “D,” the water may be filtered water, distilled water,deionized water, or may be tap water from, e.g., conventional bathroomsink basins, corresponding faucet fixtures, or other water deliveringfixtures. In this particular embodiment, the height dimensions of thereservoir 50 and the corresponding portions of main body segment 22 ofhousing 20 are sufficiently small in magnitude or short enough to allowthe user to slide the inlet 52 between a conventional sink basin andfaucet, aligning the inlet 52 of reservoir 50 with an outlet of thefaucet. Furthermore, there is preferably adequate clearance between thetrigger 30 inlet 52, as well as other portions adjacent the inlet 52, sothat the user need not actuate the trigger 30 while aligning inlet 52with the faucet, or otherwise struggle during such diluent “D” refillalignment step.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the reservoir 50 of this embodiment is housedsubstantially or entirely in the handle 24 instead of the main bodysegment 22. Accordingly, a height dimension of main body segment 22 inthis embodiment is a mere fraction of an overall height of the device,for example, less than about 20 percent or less than about 15 percent ofthe overall device height. In this configuration, none of the diluent“D” is housed directly below the container assembly 100, whereby theportion of the device weight that is attributable to weights of thediluent “D” and concentrate “C” are longitudinally spaced from eachother, along the device's centerline. In this embodiment the housing 20extends only partially over the reservoir 50, leaving at least portionsof a back wall as side walls of the reservoir 50 exposed. Inlet 52 isprovided on an exposed portion of the reservoir 50, at the back and nearthe bottom of the device. For example, inlet 52 can be positioned withintwo inches from a bottom wall of the device, optionally within one inchfrom the bottom wall.

The particular material(s) and configuration of reservoir 50 areselected based on the particular end use environment, the particularfluid or diluent “D” to be dispensed, and the type of delivery systemused. For example, in lieu of a rigid polymeric reservoir 50 such asthat seen in FIG. 12, as desired, reservoir 50 can instead be a flexiblepolymeric bag-type enclosure structure (not illustrated). The flexiblepolymeric bag embodiment of reservoir 50 can be adapted and configuredfor single use with subsequent disposal. Such implementations can beparticularly desirable for implementations of dispensing device 10 thatuse diluents “D” which the user does not want to potentially touch,e.g., if the diluent “D” is or includes any of a variety of acidic,basic, caustic, or irritating substances. Notwithstanding, as desired,the flexible polymeric bag embodiment of reservoir 50 can be refillableand adapted and configured for multiple uses.

Referring again to FIG. 12, a tubing assembly 80 is housed within thehousing 20 and is configured for directing diluent “D” between reservoir50 and container assembly 100. Tubing assembly 80 includes a pump inlettubing 82 and a pump outlet tubing 84. Pump inlet tubing 82 spansbetween and connects the manual pump assembly 35 to the reservoir 50,and pump outlet tubing 84 spans between and connects the pump assembly35 to the container assembly 100. In other words, the pump assembly 35(i) draws diluent “D” from reservoir 50 through the pump inlet tubing 82and pushes it to container assembly 100 through pump outlet tubing 84.In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 12, part of thepump outlet tubing 84 is an elongate member 85 that extends downwardly,axially at least partially into the container assembly 100. In suchembodiments, an outlet bore 86 extends radially, horizontally, orotherwise through the sidewall of the pump outlet tubing 84, adjacentits bottom end that interfaces the container assembly 100. The outletbore 86 (FIG. 14) can be fluidly and operably connected to a portion ofcontainer assembly 100, for directing the diluent “D” therethrough whileusing dispensing device 10.

Referring still to FIG. 12, in some embodiments, upper and lowerretaining flanges 90, 92 are provided on housing 20 for, e.g., holdingand aligning container assembly 100 during use. Upper and lowerretaining flanges 90, 92 extend angularly forward from the front edgesof the respective ends of the housing 20 that hold the containerassembly 100. As desired, the upper and lower retaining flanges 90, 92can have generally the same radius as the outer perimeter of housing 20,whereby they appear to be tabular extensions of the housing 20 outerwall. Optionally, the upper and lower flanges 90, 92 have other shapesand/or radii. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the inwardly facingsurfaces of flanges 90, 92 directly interface the outwardly facingsurfaces of the container assembly 100. The retaining flanges 90, 92therefore mechanically urge the container assembly 100 rearward towardthe remainder of the housing 20. This can help mitigate the likelihoodof non-desired rotation, misalignment, or other movement of thecontainer assembly 100 within the housing 20.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the container assembly100 is tilted at a slight forward angle, for example, less than about 15degrees or less than about 10 degrees when viewed from a side elevation,so that an upper portion of the container assembly 100 leans in front ofa lower portion of the container assembly 100. The particular angle ofinclination of the container assembly 100 is preferably selected basedat least in part on the configuration of the one or more containers ofthe container assembly 100. The axis of rotation of the containerassembly 100 of this embodiment is tilted forward to an extent thatallows relatively small volumes of concentrate “C,” for example, avolume that is less than about ⅛ of the total holding capacity of thecontainer, to pool or collect in a front lower corner of the container.Since a dip tube 390 extends into the front lower corner of a containerof the container assembly 100 that is in a forward-facing position,described in greater detail elsewhere herein, such configuration allowssubstantially the entire contents of concentrate “C” to be drawn fromthe container assembly 100 during use without have to shake or tilt thedevice 10 or otherwise hold it at an awkward angle while trying to fullydeplete a container of concentrate “C”.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 13 and 14, a variation of the tubing assembly80 of FIG. 12 is shown for directing diluent “D” between reservoir 50and container assembly 100. In this embodiment, the tubing assembly 80includes a tube retainer 81 that clamps the end of the pump outlettubing 84 to a nozzle 35A of the manual pump assembly 35A. Seen best inFIG. 14, an end of the nozzle 35A has an outer collar 35B that isconcentrically spaced around a cylindrical outlet 35C and the tuberetainer 81 has an annular configuration. Pockets 83 that are spacedfrom each other extend along arcuate paths and in an axial directionfrom opposing sides of the tube retainer 81, toward a web 87 of materialthat extends radially through the middle of the tube retainer 81. Insuch configuration, spokes 88 that space the adjacent pockets 83 fromeach other also connect outer and inner rings 89A, 89B of the tuberetainer that are defined at its outer an inner perimeters. A ledge 89Cextends inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the innerring 89A and provides a mechanical gripping surface that enhances theholding force that the tube retainer 81 applies to the pump outlettubing 84 by way of its radial inward compression caused by aninterference fit between the tube retainer 81 and the outer collar 35Bof the nozzle 35A.

Regardless of the particular configuration of the tube retainer 81, itis configured to provide a retention force to the pump outlet tubing 84so as to prevent the pump outlet tubing 84 from sliding off thecylindrical outlet 35C of the nozzle 35A during use. The tube retainer81 of this embodiment is configured to provide a retention force to thepump outlet tubing 84 that holds it in place while enduring operatingpressures of at least about 60 psi and preferably at least about 90 psiduring use or at least during discrete dispensing acts in which thetrigger of device 10 is being actuated.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-11, each container assembly 100 is configuredto hold at least one concentrate “C” therein, to be mixed with thediluent “D” and each container assembly 100 is preferably a disposableuse item although it can be adapted and configured for refillable use inwhich case the container assembly 100 may include a cap or otherremovable or accessible structure allowing the container to be refilled.

Since each container assembly 100 includes at least one container body105 (FIG. 2), 110, 112, 114, 116, (FIGS. 1 and 3-11) for holding orstoring the concentrate “C,” the number of end use products that can bedispensed through dispensing device 10 corresponds to the number ofdifferent container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116, (FIGS. 1 and 3-11)and thus concentrates “C” that are incorporated into the particularcontainer assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 2, this embodiment utilizes asingle container body 105 that is able to hold relatively more of asingle concentrate than would multiple container bodies 110, 112, 114,116 that were configured to cumulatively occupy the same space withinthe device 10. Holding a relatively greater volume of concentrate “C”may be desirable when a user anticipates using a relatively large volumeof a single end use product, for example, when cleaning opposingsurfaces of numerous windows, the user can implement a containerassembly 100 with a single container body 105 which holds a concentratedglass cleaner as the concentrate “C”. In still another embodiment of thepresent invention (not illustrated), a single container body 105 isprovided, similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2, only having multiplecompartments, chambers, dividers, pockets, or any other means ofseparating a single void into multiple distinct liquid tight segmentsfor housing individual concentrates “C”.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 4-8, and 15-16, these multiple container bodyversions preferably include a rotating frame 120 that is a carousel-typemechanism configured to rotate about an axis of rotation for selectivelyindexing one of the container bodies 110, 112, 114, 116 into a useposition in which that particular selected container body 110, 112, 114,116 is aligned for dispensing its contents while the remaining containerbodies 110, 112, 114, 116 are in non-use or non-dispensing positions,explained in greater detail elsewhere herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-11, the container assemblies 100 can begenerally modular enclosures which enable their removal, attachment, andinterchangeability with the remainder of dispensing device 10. In suchconfiguration, the various embodiments of container assemblies 100 areinterchangeable with each other, whereby users can determine the numberof end use products to be readily available by utilizing the dispensingdevice 10 at any given time. In other words, as desired, the user canimplement (i) a container assembly 100 that houses multiple concentrates“C” in multiple container bodies 110, 112, 114, 116 (FIGS. 10-15), or(ii) a container assembly 100 that houses a single concentrate “C” in asingle container body 105 (FIG. 1), for either multiple or single endproduct capability, respectively. Stated another way, device 10 can bereconfigured for single or multiple product dispensation byinterchanging a single container body 105 with a rotating frame 120 andits associated container bodies 110, 112, 114, 116, or vise versa.

The size and shape of the container body 105, 110, 112, 114, 116, mayvary depending on the particular embodiment of the device 10 as well as,in some embodiments, based on the particular mix ratio of the endproduct which is dispensed from the device 10. For example, devices 10that dispense end products that have relatively higher mix ratios ofconcentrate “C” to diluent “D” may include container bodies 105, 110,112, 114, 116 with relatively greater volumes or hold more as comparedto container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116 of devices 10 that dispenseend products that have relatively lower mix ratios of concentrate “C” todiluent “D”.

Several embodiments of the container body, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-11,include but are not limited to, a tubular, wedge, rectangular, orgenerally cylindrical shaped containers. In general, in containerassemblies 100 that utilize multiple container bodies 110, 112, 114,116, each container body 110, 112, 114, 116 typically includes top andbottom walls, a front wall that faces outwardly from the containerassembly 100, a back wall the faces into the container assembly 100 andopposing sidewalls that taper from the front wall to the back wall orconverge with each other in embodiments that do not include a distinctback wall. Such configurations allow the multiple container bodies 110,112, 114, 116 to nest into the rotating frame 120 in an orderly waywhile cumulatively presenting an aesthetically acceptable overall shapewhile providing a holding capacity that allows each container body 110,112, 114, 116 to hold a suitable amount of concentrate “C” so that ithas an acceptably long use life.

For example, referring now to FIGS. 17-20 and shown with respect tocontainer body 110 while also being applicable to the other containerbodies, this embodiment includes a front wall 205 that faces outwardlyfrom the container assembly 100 and a back wall 207 that faces into thecontainer assembly 100. The front wall 205 is wider toward its top andbottom, having bottom and top portions that taper inwardly toward arelatively narrower waist segment 209 defined therebetween. As shown inFIGS. 18-20, in this embodiment, the front wall 205 further includes araised panel 206 that is configured for having a label attached to itand is relatively flatter than the remainder of the front wall 205.Panel 206 of this embodiment extends up the bottom portion 207, upwardlyacross the waist segment 209, and onto the top portion 208.

Still referring to FIGS. 17-20, lower and upper walls 210 and 212 extendin a rearward direction from the bottom and top portions of the frontwall 205, respectively, and toward the back wall 207. Both the lower andupper walls 210 and 212 are configured to interlock with the rotatingframe 120. A lower locking receptacle 215 extends upwardly into wall 210and is spaced from rearward of the front wall 205, the receptacle 215being wider toward the front wall 205 and tapering to a narrower widthas it extends away from the front wall 205. Lower locking receptacle 215includes first and second ramped segments 217, 218 that extend angularlyup from the lower wall 210 and intersect each other at an apex, defininga generally inverted V-shaped profile. The second ramped segment 218which is positioned further rearward of the front wall 205 is providedat a steeper angle with respect to the lower wall 210 when compared tothe first ramped segment 217.

Shown best in FIGS. 19-20, a channel 222 extends angularly between aback wall 220 of the container body 110 and the lower wall 210,connecting the lower and back walls 210 and 220 to each other. In thisembodiment, the channel 222 is aligned with the lower locking receptacle215 and it connects to the second ramped segment 218 of the receptacle215 so that the channel 222 serves as a lead-in guide through which aflexible tab 125 a (FIG. 16) of the rotating frame 120 slides when thecontainer body 110 is being inserted into the rotating frame 120,explained in greater detail elsewhere herein. Preferably, the point ofattachment of the channel 222 and lower locking receptacle 215 ispositioned higher than the lower wall 210 so that the channel 222 andreceptacle 215 together define a progressively stepped ramp toprogressively deflect the tab 125 a during insertion of the containerbody 110 into the rotating frame 120.

Referring again to FIGS. 17-20, side walls 230, 232 of the containerbody 110 extend from outer lateral edges of the front wall 205, rearwardtoward and connecting to the back wall 207. Preferably, thumb grips orthumb depressions 240 extend into the side walls 230, 232 with eachthumb depression 240 spanning between the respective side wall 230, 232and the front wall 205.

Referring again to FIGS. 18-20, this embodiment includes an innersupport that is shown as including a pair of posts 236 that extendgenerally orthogonally between the front and back walls 205 and 207 ofthe container body 110 and are configured to maintains the front andback walls 205 and 207 a generally constant distance from each other,reducing a likelihood of the container body 110 bulging out orcollapsing in. The posts 236 sits on opposite sides of a centerline ofthe container body 110 are spaced inwardly from the side walls 230, 232.The posts 236 are provided at a height that is slightly below the waistsegment 209 of the container body 110. In some embodiments, each post236 is a single, unitary, structure. In other embodiments, each of theposts 236 can include a hollow cylindrical front segment that extendsthrough the front wall 205 toward the back wall 207 and a hollowcylindrical back segment that extends from the back wall 207 wall towardthe front wall 205. The front and back segments of such posts 236 can bedistinct from each other when initially molded or otherwise formed andthen in some embodiments joined to each other, for example, at theirfacing ends by mechanically squeezing the ends together, optionally byway of bonding, adhesion, welding, and/or other suitable forms ofjoinder.

Referring once again to FIGS. 17-20, an upper locking receptacle 250extends into the upper wall 212 of the container body 110. The upperlocking receptacle 250 of this embodiment extends through the front wall205 and defines a semi-circular perimeter shape, when the container body110 is viewed from a front elevation. A collar 260 extends upwardly theupper wall 212, rearward of the upper locking receptacle 250. An openingthat extends through the collar 260 provides access to the contents ofthe container body 110 and allows the inside of the container body 110to be vented.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-29, one way of venting and permitting accessto contents of the container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116 is done byway of, for example, suitable valve and dip tube assemblies. As shown inFIGS. 21-22, in this embodiment, the venting and check valve functionsof this embodiment are combined into a single valve assembly 300. Thevalve assembly 300 additionally incorporates a dip tube such that avalve assembly 300 incorporates all of the components required by thecontainer body 110 to properly operate within the handheld dispenser.The valve assembly 300 may be pre-assembled and inserted into eachcontainer body 110 in a single step to reduce overall assembly time andcost.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-22, the valve assembly 300 preferably includesa cap 310 and a valve body 350. In this embodiment dip tube 390 isinserted into the valve body 350. The valve body 350 includes an outerperipheral surface 352 extending generally around a central axis 353from a first end 354 to a second end 356 opposite the first end 354. Alower surface 358 is connected to the outer peripheral surface 352 atthe first end and, preferably, is generally perpendicular to the outerperipheral surface 352. An opening 360 extends through the lower surface358 and is in fluid communication with an inner periphery 362. Thecross-section of the inner peripheral surface 362 is preferably round,but alternately may be any shape.

The inner peripheral surface 362 extends generally around and along withthe central axis 353 from the opening 360 in the lower surface 358 andup through the valve body 350 to a slit portion 364 establishing a fluidpath through the valve body 350.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-26, the valve body 300 has a flange 366 isconnected to the outer peripheral surface 352 at the second end 362 andextends radially outward. The flange 366 has an inner periphery 368 andan outer periphery 370. The upper surface 372 of the flange 366 forms aconcave surface between the inner 368 and outer 370 peripheries of theflange 366. The valve body 300 also includes an annular recess 374between the inner 352 and outer peripheral surfaces 362 of the valvebody 300. The annular recess 374 is configured to engage the cap 310 andextends generally around the central axis 363. The annular recess opensto the second end 356 and extends into the valve body 300 for a portionof the height of the valve body 300, for example about half of theheight of the valve body 300. The annular recess 374 includes a firstwall 376 and a second wall 378 each extending from the second end 356generally into the valve body 300. The walls, 376 and 378, are spaced afirst width W1 apart for a first portion and a second width W2 apartalong the inner portion of the recess 374. The second width W2 ispreferably greater than the first width W1 such that a channel is formedat the inner-most portion of the annular recess 374.

Shown best in FIGS. 23-26, the inner peripheral surface 352 of the valveassembly 300 may extend generally in parallel with the central axis 353and beyond the second end 356 of the outer peripheral surface 352. Theinner peripheral surface 352 preferably extends opposite of and alongwith the second wall 378 of the recess 374 forming a wall therebetween.Opposite sides of the wall may taper together to form the slit portion364, forming a duck bill valve.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-22 and 27-29, the cap 310 engages the valvebody 350 and preferably includes a lower 312 portion configured toextend into the annular recess 374 of the valve body 350. Preferably,the lower portion 312 has a first segment with a thickness substantiallyequal to the first width W1 of the annular recess 374 and a secondsegment wherein at least a portion of the second segment has a thicknesssubstantially equal to the second width W2 of the channel in the annularrecess. The cap 310 further includes a vent portion 314 connected to thelower portion 312 and extending radially away from the central axis 353.The vent portion 314 is configured to be adjacent to the flange 366 ofthe valve body 350 when the cap 310 and the valve body 350 areconnected. The vent portion 314 additionally has at least one vent hole316 extending therethrough.

Still referring to FIGS. 21-22 and 27-29, the cap 310 also includes aneck portion 320 having an inner 322 and an outer 324 surface connectingto the vent portion 314. The neck portion 320 extends away from thelower portion 312 and the inner 322 and outer 324 surface are generallyparallel to each other for a first length. The outer surface 324 of theneck then tapers towards the inner surface 322 for a second length. Thecap further includes a first set of tabs 326 disposed around the innersurface 322 of the neck portion 320. The first set of tabs 326 arepreferably disposed within the neck 320 and around the lower end of theinner surface 324 of the neck, extending radially into the neck toengage the slit portion 364 of the valve body 350.

Shown best in FIGS. 27, 29, a rim portion 330 of the cap has a firstwall 332 and a second wall 334. The first 332 and second 334 walls areconnected at the upper ends of each wall forming a channel 335 betweenthe two walls. The first wall 332 is connected to the outer periphery ofthe vent portion 314. The cap 336 second set of tabs disposed around thelower end of at least one of the first 332 and second 334 walls of therim portion 330 and extending into the channel 335 to engage thecontainer body 110.

Referring again to FIGS. 21-22, the valve assembly 300 preferablyincludes a dip tube 390. The outer diameter of the dip tube 390 issubstantially equal to the diameter of opening 360 in the lower surface358 of the valve body 350. A first end of the dip tube 390 is insertedthrough opening 360 in the lower surface 358 and into the along theinner peripheral surface 352 of the valve body 350. The second end ofthe dip tube 390 extends downward into the container. Preferably, a seat340 is included around the inner peripheral surface 352 of the valvebody 350 such that the dip tube 390 is inserted into the valve body 350until it engages the seat 340.

Referring once again to FIGS. 21-29, in operation, the valve assembly300 of this embodiment operates to provide three basic functions. Thevalve assembly 300 serves as a first check valve which permits fluidcontained within the container body 110 to be drawn up into the venturiassembly 220 without flowing back into the container body 110. The valveassembly 330 serves as a second check valve which permits air to enterthe container body 110 as the fluid is drawn out, maintaining agenerally constant pressure within the container body 110. The valveassembly 300 additionally provides a means for holding the dip tube 390which extends into the container body 110.

Still referring to FIGS. 21-29, the first check valve is the slitportion 364 of the valve body 350. An operator activates the hand-helddevice, either manually or automatically, causing fluid, preferablywater from the reservoir 50 to enter the venturi assembly 220. Thepressure differential in the venturi assembly 220 causes fluid to bedrawn up the dip tube 390 and through the slit portion 364 of the valveassembly, mixing with the water in the venturi assembly 220 prior toexiting the hand-held device. When no fluid is being passed through theventuri assembly 220, the pressure is equalized on either side of theslit portion 364 such that the slit portion 364 remains closed,preventing the mixed solution from draining back into the dip tube 390and down into the container body 110.

Still referring to FIGS. 21-29, the second check valve is the flange 366portion of the valve body 350. The flange 366 functions as an umbrellavalve, allowing air to enter container body 110 as fluid exits throughthe slit portion 364. As fluid is drawn out of the container body 110, avacuum begins to be established inside the container body 110. When thedifferential between the pressure inside the container body 110 and theoutside atmospheric pressure is great enough, the outer periphery 370 ofthe flange 366 is drawn away from the cap 310, establishing a fluid pathbetween the outside atmosphere through the vent holes 316 of the cap 310into the container body 110. Once the pressure differential has beenreduced, the outer periphery 370 of the flange 366 reseats against thecap 310 sealing off the fluid path and preventing fluid from leaking outthrough the vent holes 316. Throughout the process, the inner periphery368 remains in contact with the cap 310, providing a constant sealbetween the valve body 350 and the cap 310.

Referring now to FIGS. 30-35, this embodiment does not include anumbrella valve-like configuration for venting. Instead, the vent portion314 of the cap 310 includes a single pinhole-type vent hole 316. Venthole 316 preferably has an opening width of less than about 0.010 inch,preferably about 0.007 inch in diameter at its narrowest portion andwhich may frustoconically taper down to the narrowest portion from acounter bore that is less than about 0.050 inch and preferably about0.040 inch in diameter.

Still referring to FIGS. 30-35, in this embodiment, a dip tube holder351 is provided that is separate from the valve body 350 and whichconnects to the cap 310 to hold the valve body 350 therebetween. Insteadof tabs 326 (as shown in FIG. 29), the cap 310 includes a rib 327 thatextends radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of theneck 320, generally separating the neck 320 from the lower portion 312.Valve body 350 of this embodiment also has a duck bill valveconfiguration, with a slit portion 364 at its top end. The valve body350 is inserted into the bottom of the lower portion 312 so that ashoulder of the valve body 350 abuts the rib 327 from below. The diptube holder 351 retains the valve body 350 in position from below, withan inner wall 377 that extends inside of the lower portion 312 and anouter wall 379 that extends outside of the lower portion 312, squeezingit therebetween. A flange 380 extends radially from the top of the outerwall 379 of the dip tube holder 351. A circular groove 381 extends intoan upper surface of the flange 380 and concentrically about a centralaxis of the dip tube holder 351. In the complete assemblage, thecircular groove 381 is positioned directly below the vent hole 316 andmultiple vent groove 382 extend radially out from the circular groove381 to the perimeter of the flange 380. In such configuration,regardless of the where the vent hole 316 is positioned angularly withrespect to the dip tube holder 351, the vent hold 316 will be vented tothe ambient by the passageway of the circular and vent grooves 380, 382.

Referring now to FIG. 15, in this alternative embodiment, one way ofventing and permitting access to contents of the container bodies 105,110, 112, 114, 116 is by way of a dip tube assembly 318 and a ventmechanism 319. The dip tube assembly 118 and/or vent mechanism 319 allowthe container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116 to be liquid tight whilereducing incidences of spilling when they are tipped or turned upsidedown, all while ensuring a quick response to trigger 30 actuation orother dispensing technique.

Still referring to FIG. 15, dip tube assembly 318 includes a dip tube orother tubing-type segment that permits access to the container contentsand a cooperating check valve, are housed in the container bodies 105,110, 112, 114, 116. The dip tube assembly 118 is configured to conveythe concentrate “C” out of the container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116,explained in greater detail elsewhere herein, while ensuring that thedip tube remains full of concentrate “C” for quick concentrate “C”delivery without priming Container assemblies 100 of this embodimentincludes vent mechanisms 319 that serve as both vents and checkvalvesfor the container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116 while noting that inother embodiments, separate and distinct vents are checkvalve areincorporated in lieu of an integral or unitary multifunctional ventmechanism 319. Vent mechanism 319 is configured to air to enter theinterior portion of container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116 while theconcentrate “C” is being dispensed. This maintains the desired pressurewithin the container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116 by replacing thevolume that occupied by the dispensed concentrate “C,” preventingundesired vacuum buildup within the container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114,116. Preferably the vent mechanism 319 is made from a GORE-TEX® ventingmaterial, sintered-type or other suitable materials, optionally, vents,pinholes, and/or other mechanisms that permit air to enter but preventconcentrate “C” from escaping the container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114,116.

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 4-7, and 15-16, regardless of the particularventing configuration(s) of the container assembly 100, the multiplecontainer versions preferable include a rotating frame 120 in which thecontainer bodies 110, 112, 114, 116 are mounted and through which theycan operable interact with other components of the device 10. In suchconfigurations, e.g., by way of rotating frame 120, the containerassembly 100 in its entirety can be pivotally or rotatably connected byopposite ends thereof to the housing 20. The container assembly 100preferably pivots or rotates while defining discrete positionsthroughout the range of rotation. The discrete positions can be definedby, for example, detents, or other mechanical structures that enable auser to index between such use positions for selecting the desiredconcentrate “C” and thus the desired end use product. Optionally,various printed or other indicia can be provided upon portions of thehousing 20, e.g., upon the upper and/or lower retaining flanges 90, 92,to facilitate visual alignment of the desired or selected container body110, 112, 114, 116.

Still referring to FIGS. 1, 4-7, and 15-16, the rotating functionalityof the container assembly 100 enables a user to singularly or selectablyalign any one of the container bodies 110, 112, 114, 116 with thereservoir 50. For example, the selected container body 110, 112, 114,116 and its respective concentrate “C” is operably connected such thatthe diluent “D” of reservoir 50 mixes with the concentrate “C” duringthe momentary dispensing act, whereby the desired end use product isdirected out of the dispensing device 10. Namely, the user rotates thecontainer assembly 100 about the axis of rotation of the rotating frame120 so that the desired container body 110, 112, 114, or 116 facesdirectly forward, aligning the desired container body or cooperatingcomponents with, e.g., the pump outlet tubing 84, explained in greaterdetail elsewhere herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-16 and 36-37, in this embodiment, the axis ofrotation of rotating frame 120 can be maintained in a substantiallyconstant position by providing a fixed stem 165 (FIG. 36-37) about whichthe rest of the rotating frame 120 rotates. Shown best in FIGS. 36-37,fixed stem 165 has a bottom end with pockets 166 that acceptcorresponding prongs 167 of a base 162 that is provided within the mainbody segment 22 and supports the rotating frame 120 from below. Prongs167 in this embodiment are spaced from each other in a generallycircular arrangement and the prongs 167 extend angularly down so thattheir tips point toward an axis of the circular arrangement. In thisconfiguration, the prongs 167 generally define a conical taper thatextends downwardly into the base 162. In this configuration, duringinitial installation of the stem 165, the stem's 165 bottom end ispushed into the base 162 so that the prongs 167 deflect or flexoutwardly, with their tip ends moving radially outward from the axis ofthe circular arrangement of the prongs until they restore and snap intothe pockets 166. When the prongs 167 snap into the pockets 166, theprongs 167 lock the stem 165 both axially and rotationally in a fixedposition with respect to the device 10 in a manner that ensure that therelative positions of the container bodies 110, 112, 114, 116 betweenthe divider walls 124 stay fixed with respect to other components of thedevice 10, while allowing them to rotate about the axis of rotation.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-16 and 36, rotating frame 120 has a generallyplanar bottom wall 122 that has a generally circular perimeter shape.Multiple divider walls 124 extend upwardly from the bottom wall 122,intersecting each other and defining spaces therebetween that rotateabout the axis of rotation of the rotating frame 120. It is in thesespaces between adjacent divider walls 124 that the container bodies 110,112, 114, 116 are housed while being allowed to rotate about the axis ofrotation of the rotating frame 120.

Referring still to FIGS. 15-16 and 36, whereas the divider walls 124 ofFIG. 15 extend from the middle of the rotating frame 120 all the wayacross the bottom wall 122, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 36, in theseembodiments, the divider walls 124 are less wide than those of FIG. 15.As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, each divider wall 124 extendsonly partway across back or sidewalls of the container bodies 110, 112,and 114. For example, the divider walls 124 extend less than halfwayacross a widest portion of the container body back or side wall. Thedivider wall may fit within a recess of the container body back or sidewall that has the same perimeter shape as the divider wall 124, so thatan outer edge of the divider wall abuts a shoulder defined between therecessed portion and the remainder of the container body back or sidewall. The depth of such recess can be half of the thickness dimension ofthe divider wall 124 so that a single divider wall can fit into recessesof adjacent container bodies 110, 112, and 114 and support them eachfrom opposing surfaces.

Referring now to FIG. 36, divider walls 124 of this embodiment radiatefrom a cylindrical core 160 that is mounted concentrically around thestem 165, and have similarities to certain portions of those in FIGS. 15and 16. In this embodiment, the divider walls 124 are narrow so as toextend a relatively short radial distance from the axis of rotation,similar to those of FIG. 16, for most of their heights. However, thebottom portions of the divider walls 124 extend all radially across theentire upper surface of the bottom wall 122. These wider bottom portionsof the divider walls mechanically guide the bottoms of the containerbodies 110, 112, 114 into proper alignment while inserting them into therotating frame 120.

Referring again to FIGS. 15-16 and 36, the container bodies 110, 112,114, 116 can be removably housed in the rotating frame 120 by way of,e.g., friction fit, snap-lock, and/or other mechanical temporary holdingtechniques and corresponding interfaces. As shown in FIG. 15, onesuitable way to configure a snap-lock arrangement is by providing one ormore projection 125 can extend from one or more of the divider walls124. One or more receptacles 126 can extend into, e.g., back, side, orother corresponding surfaces of the container bodies 110, 112, 114, 116or components attached thereto. In this configuration, the containerbody 110, 112, 114, 116 is installed by placing it into a space betweenadjacent divider walls 124, the projections 125 are aligned with thereceptacles 126, and the container body 110, 112, 114, 116 is urged intoplace so that it nests snugly within such space. Urging the containerbody 110, 112, 114, 116 into place in this manner e.g., forces theprojections 125 to resiliently flare outwardly as they slide through thereceptacles 126 and over corresponding structure within the containerbody 110, 112, 114, 116. Once they clear or slide sufficiently far oversuch structure, the projections 125 bias back inwardly. This defines thesnap-lock holding arrangement between the rotating frame 120 and thecontainer body 110, 112, 114, 116. Other snap-lock and/or othertemporary holding structures are contemplated and well within the scopeof the invention, including but not limited to, e.g., various flex tabsand apertures, detents, external latches, and/or others as desired,which permit the removable attachment of the container body 110, 112,114, 116 to the rotating frame 120, at least some of which are describedin greater detail elsewhere herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 36, container assembly 100 of thisembodiment is configured to hold three container bodies 110, 112, and114, and they are held in a rotating frame 120 that mechanically locksthem in place in a different manner than those shown in FIG. 15.Container assembly 100 of FIGS. 16 and 36 has multiple features, at topand bottom portions thereof, that interlock with the container bodies110, 112, and 114 from above and below. Instead of prong-likeprojections like those of FIG. 15, as projection or interlockstructures, bottom wall 122 can include a resilient member such asflexible tab 125 a that biases the container assembly 100 upwardly,retaining it in place. Referring still to FIGS. 16 and 36 flexible tab125 a resiliently pivots about an axis defined by a line of attachmentbetween it and the bottom wall 122 of the rotating frame 120. Cutawayvoids extend along the sides of the flexible tabs 125 a, extendingradially through a major portion of the bottom wall 122, ending lessthan one-quarter of an inch from the stem or center of the rotatingframe 120. Flexible tab 125 a can include a ramped projection 130extending upwardly therefrom and interlocking with the lower lockingreceptacle 215 that extends into a lower wall 210 of the container body110, 112, and 114 (FIGS. 19 and 20). The ramped projection 130 can begenerally triangular when viewed in a side elevation, with a relativelymore gradual slope at a surface facing away from the rotating frame 120and a relative steeper slope at a surface facing toward the rotatingframe 120. Preferably main body segment 22 of the housing 20accommodates actuation of flexible tab 125 a by including a depressionor cutaway at a front portion that allows an aligned tab 125 a to bepushed downwardly thereinto. In this configuration, only the particulartab 125 a that is aligned with such depression can be actuated, whereastabs 125 a that are not so aligned are mechanically prevented frommoving downwardly to an extent that would release the container bodies110, 112, and 114, reducing a likelihood of non-desired container body110, 112, and 114 removal.

Still referring to FIGS. 16 and 36, tabs 125 a can be positioned withrespect to the thumb depressions 240 (FIG. 16) so as to allow users tograsp lower portions of the container bodies 110, 112, and 114 nearlocations at which they release the container bodies 110, 112, and 114from the tabs 125 a. This may provide a comfortable gripping position inwhich the user can initiate prying such bottom portion of the containerbodies 110, 112, and 114 out from the rotating frame 120 during theirremoval.

Referring still further to FIGS. 16 and 36, rotating frame 120 in thisembodiment includes a top plate 140 that extends parallel to the bottomwall 122 and supports the container bodies 110, 112, and 114 from above.In some embodiments, an upper locking projection 125 b extendsdownwardly from the top plate 140. Upper locking projection 125 b canhave an arcuate bottom wall that extends between and connects opposingsidewalls, defining a downwardly facing semicircular perimeter shape,when viewed from a front elevation. Regardless of the particular shapeof the upper locking projection 125 b, it is configured to fit into acorresponding recess or upper locking receptacle 250 (FIGS. 18-20) thatextends into an upper wall 212 of the container bodies 110, 112, and114, such that outer surfaces of the upper locking projection 125 b abutor interface cooperating surfaces of the container upper wallreceptacles. In some embodiments, the top plate 140 serves as a mountingstructure for, or is integrated with, an outlet assembly 400 which isexplained in greater detail elsewhere herein.

In yet other embodiments, container assemblies 100 having multiplecontainer bodies 110, 112, 114, and 116 do not have to rotate about avertical axis such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1, and 4-7, but canhave other configurations depending on the intended end use design ofdispensing device 10. Regardless of the particular configuration ofdispensing device 10, the container assemblies 100 that utilize multiplecontainer bodies 110, 112, 114, 116 are configured so that at any givetime, a single container body 110, 112, 114, 116 is fluidly connectedto, e.g., reservoir 50, allowing the diluent “D” and selectedconcentrate “C” to mix with each other during the dispensation act,exiting the dispensing device 10 as the intended end use product.

For example, FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of container assembly100 that rotates for selecting the desired container bodies 110, 112,114, 116, and corresponding concentrate “C” and end use product.However, the container assembly 100 seen in FIG. 8 rotates about ahorizontal axis of rotation in lieu of a vertical axis of rotation suchas those of FIGS. 1, and 4-7.

FIG. 9 depicts a further alternative embodiment of the containerassembly 100 wherein the container bodies 110, 112, 114, 116 are stillremovably connected but remain stationary with respect to housing 20. Insuch embodiment, instead of aligning a movable container body 110, 112,114, 116 with the pump outlet tubing 84, the pump outlet tubing isitself movable and can be selectively aligned with the desired (fixed orstationary) container body 110, 112, 114, 116, e.g., by way of a dialmechanism 119 or otherwise.

The alternative embodiments of FIGS. 10-11 show yet other suitablemethods for aligning container bodies 110, 112, 114, 116 with theremainder of the dispensing device 10. In these embodiments, the head 60and/or housing 20 is rotated to align corresponding conduits, passages,or other flow directing structures, permitting the diluent “D” andselected concentrate “C” to mix with each other during the dispensationact, exiting the dispensing device 10 as the intended end use product.

Referring again to FIGS. 16 and 36 and devices 10 that incorporate arotating frame 120 to hold multiple container bodies 110, 112, 114, 116,distribution collar 150 of this embodiment is provided at theintersection of the divider walls 124, at the top end of rotating frame120. Hollow projections or sleeves 155 extend radially from thedistribution collar 150, in the spaces between adjacent divider walls124, and bores extend through the distribution collar 150 and each ofthe sleeves 155, enabling fluid flow therethrough. Distribution collar150 is configured to accept at least a portion of the downwardlyextending elongate member 85 of pump outlet tubing 84 therein. Namely,the distribution collar 150 is sized and configured to cooperate withpump outlet tubing 84 so that the outlet bore 86 can be selectivelyaligned with one of the bores extending through the distribution collar150 and respective one of the sleeves 155.

Referring now to FIGS. 36 and 37, in this embodiment, an upper end ofstem 165 couples the pump outlet tubing 84 to the outlet assembly 400.Seen best in FIG. 37, in this embodiment, a blind bore 170 extendsaxially into the upper end of the stem 165. A counter bore 172 extendspartially along the length of the blind bore 170, so as to define ashoulder 171 therebetween. The inside diameter of the counter bore 172corresponds to the outside diameter of the pump outlet tubing 84 so thatthe tubing 84 is friction or interference fit into the counter bore 172,with the end of the tubing 84 seated against the shoulder 171.

Referring now to FIG. 37, an outlet bore 174 of the stem 165 extendsthough the stem sidewall and radially into the blind bore 170. Theoutlet bore 174 aligns with the forward facing one of the venturiassemblies 420 so that whichever particular container body 105, 110,112, 114, 116 is facing forward in the device 10 at a given time is theone that is fluidly connected to the pump assembly 35 for dispensation.In this embodiment the distribution collar 150 provides an interfacebetween the venturi assemblies 420 and the outlet bore 174, whereby aselected one of the venturi assemblies 420 and corresponding sleeves 155of the distribution collar 150 can be aligned with outlet bore 174 ofthe stem 165.

Referring now to FIGS. 37-41, a stem seal 180 ensures a liquid-tightconnection between the stem 165 and thus the pump outlet tubing 84 andthe selected one of the venturi assemblies 420. The stem seals 180 ofthese embodiments are configured to seal the distribution collar 150 inthree locations and correspondingly incorporate three seals into thesingle unitary stem seal 180. Stem seal 180 includes a collar 182 thatis concentrically mounted over the end of the stem 165. Collar 182includes a front segment 183 that is thicker in crosssection than anopposing back segment. This configuration provides the collar 182 withan inner perimeter that has a step change in its opening radius. Upperand lower seals 184, 185 extend radially beyond an outer surface of thecollar 182 at the top and bottom of the stem seal 180. Face seal 186extends from a forward facing surface of the collar 182 and a sealopening 187 extends through the face seal 186, radially through thecollar 182, and is coaxially aligned with the outlet bore 174 of thestem 165. A rib 188 extends from the lateral sides of the face collar186 and along at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface ofthe collar 182.

Still referring to FIGS. 37-41, the upper and lower seals 184, 185 andthe rib 188 provide vertical and transverse support to the face seal 186which enhances the face seal's 186 resistance to deformation during useso as to maintain the integrity of the liquid-tight seal between thepump outlet tubing 84 and the outlet assembly 400 during use, forexample as it is seated against an inner circumferential surface of thedistribution seal 155. Rib 188 can enhance or cooperate with the sealingability of face seal 186 by, for example, ensuring that fluid which mayleak past the face seal 186 will be captured by the rib 188 and not leakthroughout the distribution ring 150 and into the non-selected(non-aligned or forward facing) venturi assemblies 420.

FIGS. 39-41 show variants of the stem seal 180 shown if FIG. 38. FIG. 40shows an embodiment having ribs 188 with rounded ends, FIG. 39 shows anembodiment having a ridge at a back portion its top wall for maintainingan angular position of the seal 180 upon the stem 165, and FIG. 41 showsan embodiment having a single rib 188 that extends entirely around thecollar 182, connected the sides of the face seal 186 to each other.

In other embodiments, the stem seal 180 is directly incorporated ontothe stem 165 itself, for example, by an elastomeric overmolding and/orother suitable procedure. In some such embodiments, less than the entirestem seal 180 is overmolded onto the stem 165, for example, one or moreof the upper, lower, and face seals 184, 185, 186 are overmolded ontothe stem 165 while any that are not overmolded may then be provided as aseparate and distinct seal component(s). In yet another embodiment, allof the upper, lower, and face seals 184, 185, 186 are separate sealcomponents that are mounted to the stem 165.

Referring now to FIG. 38, in an alternative embodiment, the collar 182has a generally vertical or other split that allows the collar 182 toopen at such split and slide in a radical direction over the top end ofthe stem 165, optionally, to create a larger opening at the bottom ofthe stem seal 180 when the back ends of the collar 182 are split so asto provide easy insertion of the collar 182 over the top end of stem 165in an axial direction with respect thereto. Such a split is shownin-phantom line format by the dashed line extending vertically down theback of the collar 182, opposite the seal opening 187.

Still referring to FIG. 38, in another alternative embodiment, the stemseal 180 has a more plate or half-sleeve configuration, whereby unlikecollar 182 that extends about the entire circumference of the stem 165,this embodiment is substantially just the front segment 183 of thecollar 182, preferably having a sweep angle of more than about 100degrees and more preferably a sweep angle of about 120 degrees. Suchconfiguration is shown by the in-phantom line format by the two dashedlines extending vertically down the sides of the collar 182, on opposingsides of the seal opening 187 and which generally represent where thewall of the seal 180 of such embodiment may end. In a variant of suchembodiment, the upper and lower seals 184, 185 on each end of the wallmay be connected to each other through a vertically extending sealsegment that extends in front of and adjacent to the respective end soas to reduce a likelihood of any fluid from leaking out through or pastthe ends of the wall and through the distribution ring 150 and into thenon-selected (non-aligned or forward facing) venturi assemblies 420.

Referring again to FIGS. 37-41, regardless of the particularconfiguration of the stem seal 180, the stem seal is configured toprovide a relatively high pressure sealing capability by way of a simpleand cost-effective configuration. Stem seal 180 in each of theseembodiments is configured to provide a sufficiently liquid tight sealbetween the stem 165 and the distribution collar 150 while enduringoperating pressures of at least about 60 psi and preferably at leastabout 90 psi during use or at least during discrete dispensing acts inwhich the trigger of device 10 is being actuated.

Regardless of the particular implementation of container assembly 100,e.g., whether it includes a single container body 105 (FIG. 2) ormultiple container bodies 110, 112, 114, and 116, each container body105, 110, 112, 114, and 116 includes an outlet assembly 400 that isconfigured to permit the independently stored and maintained diluent “D”and concentrate “C” to mix with each other during the dispensation actor process, exiting the dispensing device 10 as the intended end useproduct.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 42-45, outlet assemblies 400 are providedabove the rotating frames 120 in these embodiments, and lie between andprovide the interface between the reservoir 50 and the respectivecontainer bodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116. Each outlet assembly 400includes a cap 410 that houses a venturi assembly 420 and, optionally, adrip catch 472. Drip catch 472, shown in FIG. 15, can include, e.g., anaperture extending through a front wall of cap 410. Drip catch 472 isadapted and configured to collect or convey residual drips from nozzle460. Preferably an absorbent material is housed within the cap 410behind the drip catch 472, whereby residual drips are wicked into thedrip catch 472 and removed from the front surface of cap 410 withoutrequiring user manipulation. The residual drips can be stored in theabsorbent material or drain back into the respective container body 105,110, 112, 114, 116, depending on the particular configuration of thedrip catch 472.

Referring still to FIGS. 15 and 42-45, caps 410 sit atop the containerbodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116 and are generally hollow structuresconfigured to fixedly, optionally removably house the venturi assembly420 therein (FIG. 42). The cap 410 is configured to cooperate andinterface with other components of the dispensing device, e.g., pumpoutlet tubing 84, to ensure a sufficiently sealed connectiontherebetween and permit fluid flow from the reservoir 50 through theoutlet assembly 400. As desired, various O-rings, seals, and/or otherhardware can be provided within or adjacent the cap 410 to enhance thesealed interface or connection between the pump outlet tubing 84,namely, the outlet bore 86 thereof and the venturi assembly 420 (FIG.26). In some implementations, the caps 410 are fixed to, or integratedwith, the container bodies 105, 110, 112, 114, 116.

Referring now to FIG. 36, in some embodiments, the caps 410 areconnected to the top plate 140 of the rotating frame 120. In suchconfiguration, when concentrate “C” is depleted from a container body110, 112, 114, then the container itself is removed from the rotatingframe 120 while leaving the cap 410 and remainder of the outlet assembly400 attached to the device. Preferably, a single cap 410 extends overthe entire outlet assembly 400 so that a venturi assemblies 420 are allhoused inside of a single enclosure defined between the cap 210 and thetop plate 140 of the rotating frame 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 42-51, each venturi assembly 420 includes adiluent inlet 430, a concentrate inlet 440, a venturi portion 450, anozzle 460, and can also include an alignment tab 470. Although beingdescribed in terms of a multiple container body version of the device,it is fully appreciated that in some embodiments (not shown) the ventureassembly 420 can be incorporated into single container body versions ofthe device 10. Perhaps best seen in FIGS. 17 and 30, in theseembodiments, the venturi assembly 420 defines a generally T-shapedconfiguration with the concentrate inlet 440 perpendicularlyintersecting the venturi assembly 420 from below. To complete theT-shaped configuration of venturi assembly 420, the diluent inlet 430and nozzle 460 extend generally axially away from opposing ends of theventuri portion 450.

Still referring to FIGS. 42-51, diluent inlet 430 is selectively butoperably sealed to the outlet bore 86 of pump outlet tubing 84. Forexample, each diluent inlet 430 can be concentrically housed inside of arespective sleeve 155 of the distribution collar 150, preferably with anO-ring or other seal therebetween. In such configuration, when theoutlet bore 86 of pump outlet tubing 84 is aligned with a certain sleeve155, a liquid-tight fluid connection is established between the pumpoutlet tubing and the venturi assembly 420. This ensures that diluent“D” will flow through the outlet bore 86 of the pump outlet tubing 84,through the bore of the distribution collar and sleeve 155, and throughventuri assembly 420 during dispensing acts or procedures.

Referring yet further to FIGS. 42-51, concentrate inlet 440, extendingdownwardly from the remainder of venturi assembly 220, facilitatesmovement of the concentrate “C” from the container body 105, 110, 112,114, 116 into the venturi assembly 420 where it mixes with diluent “D”.In some embodiments, a hose, dip-tube, piece of tubing, or otherconduit-type device extends from the concentrate inlet 240 into thecontainer body 105, 110, 112, 114, 116 opening into the volume ofconcentrate “C”. As desired, the concentrate inlet 440 can include ahose barb or shoulder to reduce the likelihood of non-desired removal ofthe hose, dip-tube, or piece of tubing therefrom. This can help ensurethat, during use, the concentrate “C” will be able to be drawn upwardlythrough the concentrate inlet 440 into venturi portion 450.

Venturi portion 450, in general, operates as a typical venturi device,according to known Bernoulli's principles, creating a pressuredifferential between the venturi portion 450 and the container body 105,110, 112, 114, 116, whereby the concentrate “C” is pushed or drawn intothe venturi portion 450. In other words, venturi portion 450 has firstand second ends with relatively larger inner diameters that conicallytaper down to a reduced-diameter central segment 455.

In this configuration, perhaps best appreciated from FIGS. 45 and 49,while traversing the venturi portion 450 from the diluent inlet 430toward the nozzle 460, the diluent “D” increases flow velocity butdecreases pressure at the reduced-diameter central segment 455. Thiscreates a low pressure zone at the reduced-diameter central segment 455,directly above the concentrate inlet 440, and a pressure differentialbetween the reduced-diameter central segment 455 and the respectivecontainer body 105, 110, 112, 114, 116. The pressure differential causesa volume of concentrate “C” to flow upwardly through the concentrateinlet 440, radially into the reduced-diameter central segment 455 whereit mixes with the diluent “D” flowing axially through reduced-diametercentral segment 455. In this regard, the concentrate “C” and diluent “D”mix together while the two fluids are being expelled from the dispensingdevice 10. It is noted that while a venturi-type mixing procedure isdescribed, it is clear that alternate embodiments may utilize any styleof mixing, entraining, or otherwise combining ordinarily known to oneskilled in the art to achieve the same result, wherein the concentrate“C” and diluent “D” are maintained as separated, distinct entitieswithin the dispensing device 10.

As the concentrate “C” and diluent “D” mix or combine together, theyflow out of the venturi portion 450 into and through the nozzle 460 as amixed end use product. Nozzle 460 determines the particular spraypattern and characteristics for the respective container body 105, 110,112, 114, 116. Thus, the particular shape, dimensions, and/or othercharacteristics of nozzle 460 are selected based on the desired end usespray characteristics for the particular dispensed end use product.

Referring specifically now to FIG. 46, intake side, e.g., the part ofventuri portion 450 adjacent the diluent inlet 230 (the right side ofventuri portion 450 as seen in FIG. 46), can be relatively larger thanthe output side, e.g., the part of venturi portion 250 adjacent thenozzle 460 (the left side of venturi portion 450 as seen in FIG. 46).For example, the intake side of venturi portion 450 can be at leastabout twice the length and at least about twice the diameter as theoutput side of venturi portion 450.

However, other relative dimensions of the various components of venturiassembly 420 are readily implemented as desired and well within thescope of the invention. The particular dimensions of the variouscomponents of venturi assembly 420 are based at least in part on, e.g.,the desired spray pattern, the viscosity, density, and/or othercharacteristics that could influence flow of concentrate “C”, theviscosity, density, and/or other characteristics that could influenceflow of diluent “D,” or other factors.

For example, and referring specifically now to FIGS. 46-51, depending onthe particular desired end use flow characteristics, some embodiments ofthe venturi assembly 420 are configured generally the opposite to thoseseen in FIGS. 26-29. In other words, the venturi assemblies 420 of FIGS.46-51 have diluent inlets 430 that are shorter than outlet portions. Itis noted that the venturi assemblies of FIGS. 42-45 are nearly devoid ofoutlet portions, having only a short conduit segment after the centralsegment 450 that connects it to the nozzle 460. In contrast, theembodiments of FIGS. 46-51 have outlet segments 458 that define a majorportion of an overall longitudinal length of the venturi assembly 420,for example, greater than 50 percent, greater than 60 percent, orgreater than 70 percent of such overall length.

Referring now to FIGS. 49-51, bores of venturi assembly 420 also differfrom that seen in FIG. 45, in that the embodiments of FIGS. 49-51 havemultiple differing angular tapers, different cross-sectional areas, anddifferent perimeter shapes across their respective lengths. For example,concentrate inlet 440 has an inner diameter that rapidly reduces insize, having an arcuate sharp curving transition between its greaterdiameter and lesser diameter portions. Diluent inlet 430 has an openingdiameter that tapers in multiple stages, at differing taper angles,toward its connection to a minimum diameter segment of the centralsegment 455. In this embodiment, the diluent inlet 230 reduces itsdiameter in two sequential tapering portions, the portion locatedfurther in the diluent inlet 430 or nearest the central segment 455having a more gradual taper angle than the portion located furthest fromthe central segment 455. Through the two tapering portions, the bore ofthe diluent inlet 430 reduces its diameter to less than ½ of itsstarting value, for example tapering from about 0.1 inch down to about0.04 inch.

Referring now to FIG. 49, a step-change diameter reduction is defined atthe interface of the diluent inlet 430 and the central segment 455, suchthat a shoulder is defined therebetween. A ratio of the diluent inlet430 diameter to venturi opening diameter defined at the central segment455 can be greater than 4:3, optionally greater than 3:2, optionallygreater than 2:1, or others, depending on the particular desired end useconfiguration. In a preferred embodiment, the diluent inlet has adiameter of about 0.04 inch at the shoulder between it and the centralsegment 455, whereas the venturi portion at the central segment 455 hasa diameter or opening width of about 0.02 inch.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 50-51, different portions of thelongitudinal bore(s) of the venturi assembly 420 can have differentperimeter shapes, when view in cross-section. Such a change in borecross-sectional perimeter shape in this embodiment occurs at theshoulder between the diluent inlet 430 and the central segment 455.Whereas the diluent inlet 430 has a circular cross-sectional perimetershape, the central segment 455 has a rectangular upper half and a(semi)circular lower half. A pair of upright sidewalls generallyorthogonally intersect the flat top wall and extends down from the topwall about half-way down the opening which in this embodiment is about0.01 inch, preferably about 0.013 inch, which is about ½ of the width ofthe flat top wall, that being about 0.02 inch. At the lower part of thecentral segment 455 opening or bore, a curved bottom wall extends in anarc between the bottom edges of the sidewall and is radiused to define adiameter of about 0.02 inch so that the straight-line linear side wallstransition smoothly to the curvilinear bottom wall of the opening orbore of the venturi portion 450. In this configuration, the opening orbore of the central segment 455 defines a “D” shaped perimeter with thecurve pointing down.

Still referring to FIGS. 50-51, such downward pointing “D” shapedperimeter extends from central segment 455 along the rest of the lengthof the venturi assembly 420 that extends away from the diluent inlet430. In other words, the outlet segment 458 includes the downwardpointing “D” shaped perimeter of the central segment 455, while suchopening increases in cross-sectional area along its length toward thenozzle 460. In preferred embodiments, such rate of increase incross-sectional area is rather gradual, with a general tapering angle ofless than about 10 degrees as seen in the sectioned view of FIG. 49.However, in this embodiment, the upper most and lower most portions ofthe bore of the outlet segment 458 extends at slightly different angleswith respect to a central axis that is projected from the axis of thediluent inlet 230 bore. Namely, the upper wall of the bore extendingthrough the outlet segment 258 diverges or angles upwardly from thiscentral axis at an angle of about 3 degrees, whereas the bottom wall ofthe outlet segment 458 bore diverges or angles downwardly from suchcentral axis at an angle of about 4 degrees.

Referring again to FIGS. 46-51, venturi assembly 420 can include anozzle valve assembly 500 positioned between the longitudinal bore ofthe venturi assembly 420 and a swirl chamber 550 that opens into thenozzle 460 outlet. Nozzle valve assembly 500 includes a valve body 510having a valve end 520 and a plug end 430.

Valve end 520 has an umbrella valve disc that extends across and coversa valve cavity 522 with multiple radially spaced struts 525 thatconcentrically surround an opening at the end of the longitudinallyextending bore of the venturi assembly 420. A stem 528 extends axiallybetween and connects facing surfaces of the valve and plug ends 520, 530of the valve body 510. In another embodiment, unlike the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 46-51, the valve body 510 has a valve end 520 that isdevoid of the umbrella valve disc. In other words, the end of the thisvalve body 510 that is positioned furthest inside of the length of theventuri assembly 420 has the end surface of stem 528 interfacing withthe opening at the end of the bore extending through the outlet segment458 of the venturi assembly 420, shown in phantom by the dashed linerepresenting the end surface of stem 528 shown in FIG. 49.

Referring now to FIGS. 46-50, alignment fingers 535 extend radially froman inner portion of the plug end 520 which is nearest the stem 528. Endsof the fingers 535 abut an inner circumferential surface of the nozzlehousing, retaining the plug end in concentric alignment therein.Multiple ribs 538 extend longitudinally along and radially out from anouter portion of the plug end 520 which is nearest a mixing chamberpositioned adjacent and upstream of the nozzle outlet. The ribs 538provide clearance between the plug end 520 and the nozzle housing sothat fluid flowing through the nozzle is forced through radiallyextending passages, into the mixing chamber and then out of the nozzleoutlet.

III. System Use

In view of the above and referring again to FIG. 1, to use thedispensing device 10, a user determines the desired end use product andthen selects a corresponding container body 105, 110, 112, 114, 116 thathas a concentrate “C” of such end use product. For example, the user caninstall a single container body 105 into the dispensing device 10 orrotate a container assembly 100 so that the desired container body 110,112, 114, 116 faces forward, aligning the respective outlet assembly 400with the pump outlet tubing 84.

The user actuates trigger 30 which draws diluent “D” from reservoir 50into and through the manual pump assembly 35. The diluent “D” is forcedout of the manual pump assembly 35 and directed to the outlet assembly400 by way of the pump outlet tubing 84. The diluent then flows throughthe outlet assembly 400, gaining velocity and dropping pressure as itpasses through the venturi portion 450. In response to the droppingpressure of diluent “D” within venturi portion 450, concentrate “C” isdrawn from the container body 110, 112, 114, 116, through the dip tubeand into the venturi portion 450. In the venturi portion 450, thediluent “D” and concentrate “C” mix with each other, creating the enduse product. The end use product exits the dispensing device 10 throughnozzle 460.

Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out thepresent invention is disclosed above, practice of the present inventionis not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions,modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the presentinvention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of theunderlying inventive concept.

Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosedshapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could beprovided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually anyconfiguration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosedembodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosedfeatures of every other disclosed embodiment except where such featuresare mutually exclusive.

It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions,modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the presentinvention are differentiated by the appended claims.

1. A container for use with a handheld fluid dispenser, comprising: afront wall facing a first direction; a back wall facing in a seconddirection; at least one side wall interconnecting the front and backwalls; a lower wall that is arranged above a lower portion of a handheldfluid dispenser in which the container is mounted; an upper wall that isarranged below an upper portion of the handheld fluid dispenser, theupper wall interconnecting the front wall, back wall, and at least oneside wall of the container, an opening extending through the upper walland permitting access to contents that are held in the container, theopening extending through the upper wall at a location that is nearerthe back wall than the front wall of the container.
 2. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the contents held in the container is a concentratedchemistry and wherein the handheld fluid dispenser holds a volume ofdiluent that can mix with the concentrated chemistry during dispensing.3. The container of claim 1, wherein the front wall is wider than theback wall and the at least one sidewall includes a pair of side wallsthat extend angularly between the front wall and back wall so as todefine a generally wedge-shaped perimeter.
 4. The container of claim 1,wherein multiple containers are mounted handheld fluid dispenser and arearranged with respect to each other so that the openings extendingthrough the respective container upper walls are provided inwardly ofthe front walls of the respective containers.
 5. The container of claim1, wherein a post extends between and connects the front and back wallsto each other and wherein the post is spaced from the upper wall.
 6. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein a collar extends upwardly from the upperwall and wherein a bore that extends through the collar is aligned withthe opening of the upper wall such that the collar defines a passagepermitting access to an interior of the container.
 7. The container ofclaim 6, wherein the upper wall includes a receptacle that extendsinwardly into the upper wall and that can receive a portion of thehandheld fluid dispenser therein, and wherein the receptacle is spacedfrom the collar.
 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the receptacledefines a side opening that extends through the front wall of thecontainer.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the receptacle definesan upper opening where the receptacle extends inwardly into the upperwall of the container.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the atleast one sidewall includes a pair of side walls that have outer endsthat are connected to the front wall and inner ends that are connectedto the back wall, and wherein the opening extending through the upperwall at a location that is spaced from both of the outer ends of thepair of side walls.
 11. The container of claim 1, wherein the upper wallincludes a receptacle that extends inwardly into the upper wall and thatcan receive a portion of the handheld fluid dispenser therein, andwherein the receptacle is spaced from the opening of the upper wall. 12.The container of claim 11, further comprising a waist segment that isarranged between the lower and upper walls and that is narrower than atleast one of the lower and upper walls.
 13. The container of claim 12,wherein the waist segment is narrower than each of the lower and upperwalls so that the container tapers inwardly from each of the lower andupper walls toward the waist segment.
 14. A container for use with ahandheld fluid dispenser, comprising: an upper end through which aconcentrated liquid that is held in the container can be conveyed fordispensing through the fluid dispenser; a lower end that can be arrangedover a portion of the handheld dispenser; a waist segment that isarranged between the upper and lower ends of the container, a rearportion that faces inwardly toward the fluid dispenser; and a frontportion that faces outwardly from the fluid dispenser, the front portionbeing spaced closer to the rear portion at the waist segment than at theupper and lower ends of the container.
 15. The container of claim 14,wherein the front portion is defined at least in part by a front wallthat tapers inwardly at the waist segment of the container.
 16. Acontainer assembly for use with a handheld fluid dispenser, comprising:an upper end; a lower end; multiple containers that are arranged torotate about a common axis of rotation and holding concentrated liquidsthat can be dispensed from the fluid dispenser, each container extendingbetween the upper and lower ends of the container assembly and includinga waist segment that is arranged closer to the axis of rotation than theupper and lower ends of the container assembly.